K-9 Capone, a retired Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office dog, earned that description during his six years in service to the county.

He served the Sheriff’s Office professionally, but he also became a beloved friend to his handler, Chris Cook, and Chris’s family. The dog lived with the Cooks until his retirement.

He touched the lives of many in Cleveland County, becoming well known for his ability to open car doors with his nose.

Recently, Capone passed away at Sandy and Thad Robertson’s residence, which became his home after he retired in 2009. Those who knew him best share their memories of him as a tribute to a dog who, as Chris said, always “knew when it was time to go to work and knew when it was time to play.”

‘You knew you were going to work well together’

In 2003, Chris and Sgt. Kenny Smith traveled to Miami to retrieve Capone for the Sheriff’s Office.

A Hungarian Shepherd, he had to be flown in from Budapest.

Chris remembered the first time he saw Capone at the airport.

“He looked like a big lion,” he said. “It was one of those things that you knew you were going to work well together.”

Chris proved to be right. Throughout his career, Capone was an adept K-9. He and Chris were involved in 34 captures of suspects and more than a million dollars in seized currencies and illegal drugs.

“He wasn’t the most aggressive, but when it came to narcotics and tracking, he was one of the best,” Chris said.

‘He was very skilled at his job’

Once, the two were called to Lincoln County to aid in the search for an elderly man who had gotten lost in the woods.

“After an hour and forty-five minutes, Capone located the gentleman. What I remember most about that was when we located the gentleman, the gentleman that we found wanted to meet the dog,” said Chris.

When he met Capone, “it was like he immediately knew that was the man he was looking for,” he said. Capone nudged the man with his nose in recognition.

Chris said there is no better feeling as a handler than knowing you accomplished exactly what you set out to do.

Capone also certified multiple times for the United Police Canine Association.

“They had to climb a ladder, stand on a catwalk. They would jump hurdles, there was a low crawl,” Chris said. “They’d throw out keys or matches in a 30-by-30 area. He’d have to locate the items. He was very skilled at his job.”

Families attached to him

Once he retired, Capone moved to live with Bob and Annette Fain, the Cleveland County residents who purchased him for the sheriff’s office.

“Mr. Fain really got attached to this dog,” said Chris.

When Bob Fain died, he had requested that Capone stand guard next to his casket at the funeral.

“Even at the grave site, they wanted us to lead Mr. Fain in. We were the first ones to get there and the last ones to leave,” said Chris.

Without the Fains, Chris said they never would have had the opportunity to get Capone.

After Bob’s death, Capone moved to the Robertson household in Landrum, S.C. Sandy Robertson, Chris’ mother, and her husband Thad, were glad to take Capone.

“We always told Chris that if we ever had a chance to have him, we’d like to have him,” said Sandy.

“He had a really good retirement,” said Thad.

Whenever Chris would visit, Capone would run to meet him at the door.

“There was something special about him. He was actually my best friend,” said Chris.

‘He attracted a crowd every time’

Capone was special to everyone he met.

“Most of the kids and people in the public could interact with him. People to this day remember him. He was a very popular dog,” said Thad.

Chris’ children grew up with Capone and played with him.

His 6-year-old son, Houston, nicknamed him “Pone Boy” and the name stuck.

“That dog was almost human. He would let Houston crawl all over him,” said Chris.

The Cooks even took Capone on vacation with them.

“We’d do a K-9 demonstration on the beach for whoever would watch,” Chris said.

“He attracted a crowd every time,” said Thad.

‘I’m just glad he went to sleep’

On May 16 of this year, Capone peacefully went to sleep.

“I thought, he’s either sleeping really good or he’s died,” said Sandy, who went to lie beside him that night.

“Mom called me that next morning. I’m just thankful that they were there with him. I’m just glad he went to sleep,” said Chris.

“He was a little heavier when he died, but he was beautiful,” said Sandy. “It was so sad for us.”

‘He’s missed’

Chris said being a K-9 is often a thankless job, as people don’t realize how valuable and important they are.

“And it’s not just the work aspect, it’s your family, too,” he said.

Mike Lawrence, K-9 coordinator for the county sheriff’s office, said there is nothing like the bond created between a dog and his handler.

“I’ve had four different dogs in my career. And you always have that special bond with your first dog. He’s your partner,” said Mike.

Mike said the dogs’ successes are rarely printed in the media, but should be, especially in the case of Capone.

“He was a good dog,” said Mike. “He’s missed.”

But no one will forget him.

“My 6-year-old, he’s got this stuffed animal, a German Shepard, that he carries around. He puts a leash on it and drags it around,” said Chris.

The Robertsons have made a place for Capone’s remains, in a box beside their bed. They put his K-9 badge beside it.

“He was special,” said Chris. “He can rest peaceful on that mountain.”